Do you want my husband? Hes all yours! Sarah said with a wry smile to the stranger standing at her front door.
Hold on a minute, Emily! Someones at the door. Ill call back when I know who it is and what they want, said Sarah, ending a phone chat with an old friend. Emily had just been recounting, in vivid detail, the birthday party of her motherinlaw, peppered with jokes that had Sarah laughing nonstop, as if she were watching a sitcom on the telly.
Sarah padded to the door, peered through the peephole, and was taken aback. Shed expected the usual neighbour, since strangers rarely get past the secure block of flats. Instead, a young woman shed never seen before stood in the hallway.
She hesitated. In these days of endless scams, it was safer to keep the door shut. Sarah lived by a strict rule: no conversations with strangers. Con artists prey on gullibility, but she wasnt one of their victims.
She lifted the receiver to finish her chat with Emily, when the doorbell rang again. The woman outside was insistent, convinced someone was home and determined to get an answer.
Sarah was alone; her husband, James, had gone to a mates house to help with garden work. She returned to the door, looked again through the peephole, this time studying the outsider more closely.
There was something odd, almost pitiful, about the lady, yet Sarah felt no immediate threat.
Whats the worst that could happen if I open and tell her to leave? Then I can finally enjoy the weekend in peace, Sarah thought. Maybe shes lost or here to sell something.
Deciding to act, she swung the door open. The woman in the corridor straightened, nervously smoothing her hair before speaking.
Hi! Are you Sarah? she asked, twirling a scarf around her neck. Of course you are why would I ask?
Sarah raised an eyebrow. Scammers are getting more sophisticated. She even knows my name.
Who are you and what do you want? Youve been ringing for five minutes. I didnt invite you, so either tell me why youre here or get out! Sarah said firmly.
Is James home? the stranger asked, catching Sarah offguard.
Now thats something, Sarah thought, suspicion sharpening. She knows my husbands name. Definitely a prepared fraud.
Are you here for James? Sarah asked, though she planned to say something entirely different.
No, I came to speak with you. But if James is home, things get trickier for me, the woman replied, casual as if chatting over tea.
Trickier for you? Whats going on? Sarahs curiosity grew.
Dont you have what youre looking for? Sarah finally asked.
Perhaps we should go inside. Its hard to discuss such matters in the hallway, the woman suggested, gaining confidence.
Absolutely not! I dont know you, and I wont let strangers into my flat. State your business, and quickly, Sarah snapped.
Do you really expect me to talk about my relationship with James here, in front of the neighbours? the woman said, smiling.
What? What relationship? Sarah shouted, her voice louder than intended.
Just then, Mrs. Thompson, the elderly neighbour, emerged from the lift. Sarah, are you alright? Why are you shouting? she asked.
Oh, hello Mrs. Thompson! All fine. Hows the weather out there? Sarah tried to deflect, eyes flicking to the door.
It looks like rains coming, Mrs. Thompson replied, lingering as if shed overheard the whole exchange.
Come in, Sarah said reluctantly, gesturing the woman forward.
Inside, the intruder began to scan the flat, her gaze alighting on pictures, books, and the modest kitchen décor.
Youve got five minutes. Speak, Sarah warned, blocking the path to the living room. This isnt a museum.
My names Lucy, the woman announced, shedding her scarf and coat. James and I are in love.
Really? How clichéd! Couldnt you think of something more original? Sarah retorted with a sarcastic grin.
Whats so clichéd about it? People fall in lovethat happens. Youre not the first wife whose husband walks out, Lucy replied, stepping around Sarah with confidence.
Are you sure hes stopped loving me and fallen for you? Sarah asked, still smiling.
Absolutely! If it were any other way, I wouldnt be here, Lucy said boldly.
My husband knows nothing about love. Hes clueless, so youre completely wrong, Sarah replied calmly.
You think youre wrong? We work together, and ever since I joined his team, Mr. James Whitfield cant take his eyes off me. He confessed his feelings, Lucy declared.
Really? That doesnt sound like him at all. So what do you want from me, Lucy? Sarah pressed, genuinely intrigued.
I want you to divorce him and let him be happy with me, Lucy announced firmly.
So you expect me to let my husband leave, even though hes never mentioned divorce? Are you sure youve got the right man? Sarah asked, now amused.
Before Lucy could answer, the door burst open and James stepped in, bewildered by the scene.
Lucy? What are you doing here on a Saturday? Is this about work? James asked, eyes wide.
No, Im here for you, Sarah said, pleased with the turn of events.
For me? What do you mean? Did something happen at work? James repeated, still confused.
No, love. Shes here to take you away. Completely, Sarah replied with a grin.
Lucy, flushed, hastily threw on her coat and backed toward the exit.
Youre leaving already? What about James? You didnt come for him? Ill gladly hand him over, Sarah joked.
Lucy was already at the door.
What was that supposed to mean? James asked, utterly perplexed.
Tell me! Why did that brazen woman show up demanding a divorce and claiming youll live with her? Sarah demanded, hands on her hips.
Seriously?! James blurted, stunned. I have no idea. She behaved oddly at work, but I never encouraged anything. I promised you Id put an end to this nonsense.
Fine. You know Im not joking, James. Women today will do anything to fix their chaotic lives, Sarah said, shaking her head.
James looked at her uncertainly, then let out a deep sigh. Ill never understand what some people imagine. This is all bizarre. Good thing you sent her away. We dont need that kind of drama.
Exactly, Sarah replied with a faint smile. I wont let anyone who thinks they can manipulate our lives walk in uninvited. This is our home, our family, and Ill protect it.
Of course, love, James said, pulling her into an embrace. Thank you for standing by me. I dont want any trouble. Im yours, and only yours.
Sarah returned the hug, feeling that despite the absurdity, their bond was stronger than ever. I know, James. Im with you. Together well get through anything.
In that moment they both sensed that, no matter the unexpected hurdles, their relationship remained unshakable. Nothing that day could tear them apart.
